Inspection

The latest news, analysis and opinion on inspections at schools in the UK and overseas, from updates to inspection frameworks and guidance on how to prepare

Thursday

9th Nov 2023

Ofsted ‘scorecard’ for schools and MATs explored
In response to concerns about single-word Ofsted inspection judgements, one school leaders’ union is investigating possible alternatives
Headteachers' leaders will look at how a scorecard could replace Ofsted grades.
Exclusive
Why Ofsted can’t do school improvement
There are calls for Ofsted to be given a school improvement function – but this would present clear dangers, argues CST deputy Steve Rollett
Why Ofsted couldn’t - and shouldn’t - be a school improvement body
Weekly round-up: Teacher shortages and Ofsted warning
This week’s essential education news includes criticism of the DfE’s response to teacher shortages, a defence of Ofsted judgements and flexible working ideas for schools
Deck of cards round up

Wednesday

8th Nov 2023

Ofsted reports ‘opaque’ without grades, warns Gibb
Schools minister tells MPs that ditching single-word judgements will lead to people pulling out lines from a report ‘like a theatre review’
Nick Gibb has warned that Ofsted reports will become opaque without single word judgements.
Safeguarding: 3 Ofsted findings for schools
School leaders often feel ‘isolated’ trying to safeguard vulnerable pupils, Ofsted warns in report on multi-agency responses to children needing help
Safeguarding in schools

Tuesday

7th Nov 2023

‘Most’ Ofsted grades align with exam results
The findings follow concern that Ofsted judgements place too little weight on test and exam performance by schools
Ofsted grades and exam results

Friday

3rd Nov 2023

DfE issues ‘absurd’ threats to trusts with improving schools
Education leaders raise concerns as schools are labelled as ‘coasting’ after being upgraded by Ofsted
DfE issues ‘absurd’ threats to trusts with improving schools
Exclusive

Wednesday

1st Nov 2023

9 in 10 teachers say Ofsted is not ‘reliable’ or ‘valid’
Union leaders warn that the findings by Beyond Ofsted show the next chief inspector has a ‘mountain to climb’
Nine in ten teachers in a new survey said that Ofsted is not reliable.

Friday

27th Oct 2023

Revealed: Ofsted MAT checks on hold until next April
With Ofsted announcing it will not carry out any more evaluations of MATs this financial year, ÌÇÐÄVlog looks at the key findings from its most recent reports
Lollypop man
Exclusive

Thursday

26th Oct 2023

Weekly round-up: Ofsted chief probe and RSHE warning
This week’s essential education news includes a judge’s ruling over the Ofsted chief’s comments on home education and schools’ fears about the DfE’s latest RSHE demand
Round, up RHSE

Tuesday

24th Oct 2023

Wilshaw: Ofsted ‘not focusing enough on teaching quality’
Former Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw also warns that it is ‘ridiculous’ that schools with ‘terrible’ results can receive ‘good’ Ofsted judgements
Sir Michael Wilshaw said that Ofsted is not looking at the quality of teachers' lessons enough.

Monday

23rd Oct 2023

Probe Spielman on home education concerns, judge tells Ofsted
Ofsted must ask chief inspector Amanda Spielman for evidence behind concerns she raised with MPs over home education, tribunal rules
Amanda, Spielman ofsted